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Wrap your head around these holiday wrapping solutions

You’ve found the perfect present. Now you just have to figure out how to wrap it. Whether you’re attempting to gift wrap the impossible or disguise the obvious, here are a few tips to help take the woes out of holiday wrapping: Bikes and big gifts- When kids aren’t asking for ponies, they’re usually asking for a bicycle. To avoid ruining the big surprise, try wrapping the bike’s handles and wheels in cardboard or attaching things like hula-hoops, brooms, or even laundry baskets to change its shape. Appliance stores are also a great place to

find giant boxes that can help disguise the bike and keep your kids guessing.

Wine bottles – When attending a holiday party, people often bring a nice bottle of wine for the hosts. Instead of using the predictable wine bag, try this easy alternative: Fold two layers of 9-by-12-inch tissue paper in half lengthwise and tape the folded edge to one edge of a 12-inch square of scrapbook paper. Wrap the bottle, tape, then cinch tissue at the neck with a ribbon and add a tag. Voila.

Plain box- Be creative and dress up that square, so it stands out under the tree. Use unexpected papers like maps, newspaper, cellophane, foil, or comics. If you’re feeling romantic, you can customize the wrapping to fit the sentiment by using a takeout menu from your favourite place or piano music from a meaningful song. Even tape is cooperating creatively these days. For example, the Scotch GiftWrap Tape has a unique satin finish that blends in seamlessly and won’t obscure your thoughtful gift wrapping, no matter what you choose.

Toys or other oddly shaped items – The cardboard tubes of paper towels, toilet tissue or mailing tubes can be re-used for small, odd shaped gifts such as toy trucks, accessories, clothing and socks. Stick several items inside the tube and decorate it like a large candy cane, or wrap and twist both ends to look like a large piece of candy.

Do you have your own wrapping solutions to share? Pass them along and see others on the 3M Scotch Tape Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/scotch/app_139167632894105 .

For every solution shared, $1 is donated to the Children’s Aid Foundation.

Canadian Home Trends

Canadian Home Trends magazine gives you a personal tour of the most stunning homes and condos across Canada. You'll be inspired by a selection of accessible home décor products, trend reports, simple yet stylish DIY projects, and much more. In each issue, you are given the tools to recreate designer spaces you've always dreamt of having at home, in-depth renovation and design advice, colour palette and furniture pairings, and Canada's best places to shop.